Harris County adopts changes to permit backyard hens in R‑1 with conditions

The Harris County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 adopted a second‑reading amendment to the Unified Development Code (Article 3, Section 308.03) addressing the allowance of chicken coops in R‑1 residential districts.

The planning commission had recommended approval with a two‑acre minimum and no restriction on minimum lot size, and staff provided redlined language in the meeting packet. The adopted language, as read at the meeting, allows a maximum of four hens per property, prohibits roosters, requires hens be kept in a coop or cage structure located in the rear yard with a minimum 30‑foot setback from property lines, and limits keeping hens to household use only. The amendment also struck the provision that had made coops not allowable in “major subdivisions” recognized by the Community Development Department.

Commissioners debated whether to reduce the minimum lot size from two acres to one acre and whether additional nuisance‑abatement language or special‑use provisions should be added. An amendment to reduce the minimum to one acre failed on a 2‑to‑3 vote. Supporters cited rural residents’ interest in backyard hens; opponents urged adherence to the consensus reached at a prior work session. The original motion passed by show of hands.

Board members and staff discussed that substantive changes beyond the simple text edit—such as nuisance‑abatement measures—would be better handled through additional zoning procedures or a special‑use permit process rather than as part of the second reading.

The amendment takes effect per the board’s procedures; staff will update the UDC text and implementation steps.